Definition: And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 5:43. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core of the Verse: Jesus is telling two men – a physician and a tax collector (who was often considered to be the "bad" guy) – that they cannot tell anyone about this experience they just had. He’s giving them a very specific instruction. Let's unpack it word by word: “And he charged them straitly…” - This is key. “Straightly” means tightly or closely. Jesus isn't just telling them to be careful; he’s asking them to actively avoid sharing this event with anyone. It’s a strong warning. “…that no man should know it.” – This is the main point of his instruction. He wants to keep this experience completely secret, even from others. “And commanded that something should be given her to eat.” - This is the specific action Jesus gives them. He tells them to offer her a meal. What does it all mean? This verse paints a picture of Jesus being incredibly sensitive and concerned about this encounter. It suggests several things: It's a special, private moment: The fact that he’s giving them a specific task – to eat something – implies this wasn't just a normal, everyday event. It was a significant, perhaps even divine, experience. Jesus is concerned with the details: He's not just focusing on what happened, but also how it happened. The instruction to avoid sharing emphasizes that he’s deeply thoughtful about this situation and wants to protect it from outside influence. Possible Interpretations (These are debated by scholars): There are a few different ways to interpret this verse: It’s about Jesus' role in healing: Some believe the scene is a symbolic representation of Jesus performing a miraculous healing, where he reveals a secret or confronts someone in a private way. It's about spiritual transformation: Perhaps it speaks to Jesus' ability to reveal hidden truths and transform individuals through his ministry. In short, this verse highlights Jesus’ thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and the importance of protecting his own actions and revelations. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of the Gospel? Explore different interpretations of the verse?